For the past eight years, Josh Baker attended public schools. Up to this point, his parents were pleased with the kind of education he had been receiving. But as their son hedged toward high school, Mom and Dad felt a need to give him a more tailored education—one that would better prepare him for college. So when September rolled around, Josh began attending a nearby private, college-prep school. Similarly, Brian and Lisa Grant also turned to private school for their children. But in their case, it was never even an issue. Even before their children were born, the Grants had decided their kids would attend Christian schools, just as they had.

Every year, scores of parents look into the option of sending their children to private schools. But because no two schools are alike, finding the right one can be a difficult task. So, where do you begin?

Defining Your Child's Needs

In his book, The Parents' Guide to Alternatives in Education, Ronald Koetzsch, PhD, states that rather than looking for a "perfect school," parents should look for one that meets the needs of their child. "There's no such thing as a perfect school," he says. One school can be right for one child and wrong for another.

Dr. Kenneth Weinig, headmaster of the Independence School in Newark, Delaware, agrees. "When it comes to children's educational needs, there is no one-size-fits-all," he says. "Even within the same family, kids' educational needs can differ."

For this reason, parents should look at their child's needs, taking into account strengths, weaknesses, interests, and talents. Also consider what sort of learning environment the child would be most comfortable in. A self-motivated learner, for example, may do well in a program where he gets to direct and carry out his own learning. But a child in need of constant direction might be more suited to a structured environment. Certain schools are right for certain children, says Koetzsch. It's just a matter of finding what fits.

Dr. Weinig agrees and points out that, "Each school has a method of teaching, (which is normally found in the mission or statement of purpose) that can have a profound impact on a child's educational experience."